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More rainy days ahead in Singapore

SINGAPORE — Expect more rainy days ahead, with the onset of the Northeast Monsoon later this month, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).

Rainfall in November and December this year will be higher than average, according to the Met Service. TODAY file photo.

Rainfall in November and December this year will be higher than average, according to the Met Service. TODAY file photo.

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SINGAPORE — Expect more rainy days ahead, with the onset of the Northeast Monsoon later this month, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).

Already, rainfall in the first half of this month has been higher than usual and rainfall for the rest of the month and next month is also expected to be about the 20 per cent above the long-term average of 256.6mm and 288.4mm, respectively.

The MSS will issue warnings when heavy rain or prolonged monsoon rain is expected on top of regular weather forecasts. Heavy rains coinciding with high tides could lead to localised flash floods in low-lying areas. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has advised the public to exercise caution during the Northeast Monsoon season.

Typically, the Northeast Monsoon comprises a wet phase between late November and January, followed by a drier phase in February. The wet phase has moderate to heavy thundery showers that are short duration, and occur mainly in the afternoon and evening. There are also two to four monsoon surges — where northeasterly winds blowing from the South China Sea bring in prolonged rain periods, windy conditions and cooler temperatures — lasting between two and five days.

The NEA said it will be working with PUB, the national water agency, to ensure that drains remain free-flowing. The PUB will be inspecting close to 100 major construction sites to ensure that drains around the sites are free of debris, and reminding the construction industry to conduct checks on public drains in the vicinity of their worksites.

PUB will also continue to monitor road conditions in low-lying areas and hotspots through its network of 161 close circuit television (CCTV) cameras. PUB’s water level sensors, installed in major drains and canals, have been increased from 158 to 171 this year and help enable quick response in the event of a flood. PUB added it plans to increase the number of sensors to 200 by the first quarter of next year.

The public can receive the latest weather reports via www.nea.gov.sg, the MyENV mobile app, the radio traffic watch broadcast or the MSS’s weather forecast hotline (65427788).

PUB will also be releasing flood alerts via Facebook, Twitter, the MyWaters app and via electronic signage on roads. Members of the public can also call PUB at 1800-2846600 to report on any flood situation or NEA at 1800-6003333 to report choked drains.

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